8.18.2011

exactly the sort of think i love...


i stumbled upon totem...
and instantly fell in love....

what's not to love about salvaged needlepoints,
navajo rugs, textiles and leather
all mixed together to make totes, clutches,
and other fabulous pieces?

artist's statement: (found here)
I have always loved hunting for treasures at flea markets and antique shops. I love the thrill of finding some abandoned object like old horse reins that are beautifully crafted but need to be cleaned up and re worked into a strap for one of my bags. Something about giving new life to discarded objects is so satisfying. I am especially in love with vintage needle points , navajo rugs and old saddle blankets. I make them into backpacks shoulder bags and clutch bags.

I also hunt for old trade beads and what I call hippie beads ,turquoise wood and other unusual beads that I thread onto the fringe that hangs from the navajo bags creating a unique one of a kind bag full of treasure and history. I make all the bags in my L.A studio.




9 comments:

i am pam said...

this is good love. very unique and beautiful.

chunky girl said...

Oh, those are fabulous!

christina said...

okay, after spending a good 30 minutes on totem's website it's hard to narrow my favorites to three, let alone one. I just started my birthday wishlist...

so happy you shared this amazing artist.

GNIST by Gitte Bettina Lauridsen said...

Wery uniqe and it inspires me a lot! Thank you for sharing

Cindy said...

they really are fabulous!

sage.encaustic said...

Really beautiful.Sabeline

melissa loves said...

Ok...it has been FAR too long since I have visited your lovely slice of heaven over here and have been perusing for like 20 minutes now and catching up! I love so much and have been pinning and favoriting left and right! Are you on pinterest darlin? Inquiring minds want to know! :)
xo
Melis

jphipps said...

Love it!

Unknown said...

I'd love to purchase the floral handbag that half pink and then ivory with flowers. Love it! Please contact me with information @ ortegamelly@gmail.com thank you!